THE 'foodie empire' being built by Wicklow twins David and Stephen Flynn is to enjoy record revenues of €10m this year.

The soaring revenues at the twin's Flynn & Flynn Global Trade Ltd compare to revenues of just over €4m in 2015 as the business has enjoyed significant growth in the last four years.

The costs of expansion at the business contributed to the Flynns' 'Happy Pear' firm recording post-tax losses last year of €578,713 as revenues increased by 49% to around €8m. A spokeswoman for the Happy Pear said that in 2017 they "expanded our food production and product portfolio and added the necessary skills and systems to enable us to grow sustainably and to successfully operate in Ireland and in our fledgling export markets, mainly the UK.

"Today, as a direct result of this investment, we are well placed for future growth."

The Happy Pear business now employs 125 people.

The loss at the business - which opened in 2004 as a small vegetable shop - coincided with the business investing in the opening of a new cafe at Round Tower Clondalkin.

The spokeswoman said: "Additionally, we continued to invest in our brand and our online reach is at almost one million.

"All of this planned investment in 2017 is consistent with our mission and business goal of creating happier, healthier lifestyles, building community, and long-term growth."

The spokeswoman said that the business enjoyed a 49pc jump in revenues in 2017.